I've done many things over the years: (a sort of jack-of-all-trades-guy) everything from a manufacturing executive, instrument rated private pilot, owned, flew and operated 3 aircraft over those manufacturing years, Realtor, banking and commercial and residential mortgages, teaching and mentoring new real estate agents, training dogs for the blind, motorcycle (Harleys and chopper hybrids and the like) sales and services, seasonal catastrophic storm insurance adjusting. Now, I'm working as a certified caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care. In my spare time, I have resurrected my old hobby of building and flying giant-scale model aircraft (go to www.rccd.org). But, the best part of my life these days is living happily with my wonderful wife and best friend, Claudia, simply enjoying our lives together. I am totally blessed! Life is good!
Update: We moved from our home in Berkley, MI to Sterling Heights, MI in the summerof 2016. A ranch style with all rooms on one floor...for ease of getting around...getting older, as many of you know, requires fewer steps to climb up and down. All is good with the two of us. We now have another grandson living close by these days. I gave up my Harley Road King some years ago...vision, hearing and good reaction time not as good as it used to be. I'm still working part-time as a Realtor helping specifically Veterans of all wars and conflicts and so-called "Police Actions". Beyond all of that, God is always in our lives, therefore, all is good!
UPDATE:
Retired 1 NOV 2018
Other Comments:
I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve with all the guys surrounding my 4 years in the Air Force as a Dog Handler. For those guys remaining on this beautifully designed planet I pray all are doing well. For those past on, I look forward to joining them one day. Lessons learned over the past 68 years?...Well, I wish I had learned this simple fact earlier in life: God has a plan for all of us. The trick is to be and live in His word every day...listen intently for His guidance and follow His lead. This will...WILL... guarantee a rewarding and fruitful life as He promised, provide all you will ever need. No matter what may happen to you, remember...it's God's plan...not for us to necessarily understand why, but it's His plan. Be blessed, all...
TSN AB: Our barracks were located directly across the road from (correct me if I'm wrong here...I believe it was called Camp Alpha, I also believe it was) Vietnam's largest chopper base...what a great sight and sounds...except when were trying to sleep, of course
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UH-1 Iroquois ( HUEY) Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications (UH-1D)
General characteristics
* Crew: 1-4 * Capacity: 3,880 lb including 14 troops, or 6 stretchers, or equivalent cargo * Length: 57 ft 1 in with rotors (17.4 m)
* Fuselage width: 8 ft 7 in (2.6 m))
* Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.6 m) * Height: 14 ft 5 in (4.4 m) * Empty weight: 5,215 lb (2,365 kg) * Loaded weight: 9,040 lb (4,100 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 9,500 lb (4,310 kg)) * Powerplant: 1� Lycoming T53-L-11 turboshaft, 1,100 shp (820 kW)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 135 mph (220 km/h) * Cruise speed: 125 mph (205 km/h) * Range: 315 mi (510 km) * Service ceiling 19,390 ft (Dependent on environmental factors such as weight, outside temp., etc) (5,910 m) * Rate of climb: 1,755 ft/min (8.9 m/s) * Power/mass: 0.15 hp/lb (0.25 kW/kg)
Armament Variable, but may include a combination of:
* 2x 7.62 mm M60 machine gun, or 2x 7.62 mm GAU-17/A machine gun * 2x 7-round or 19-round 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods
